Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik says recurring communal violence has tarnished the image of his state, and bred insecurity in its Christian population.

In an interview to The Indian Express, Patnaik deplored the ‘savage acts’ carried out in the name of religion.

A total of 558 homes and 17 churches have been set on fire since the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on August 23, state Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy said on Monday. At least 16 people are believed to have been killed in rioting.

“The attack on the ashram, as well as what happed thereafter, I repeat what happened after that, both are deplorable. Those who indulged in these savage acts, and I mean both in the ashram and after that in the district, stern action will be certainly taken against them,” Patnaik said.

Asked if communal violence was tarnishing Orissa’s reputation and encouraging afeeling that the state was intolerant towards Christians, he said, “Yes, it is. There has been a sense of insecurity among the Christians after the recent incidents. There has been recurrence of violence and tragedies. We will try our best to remove all such violence and tragedies or any disharmony among sections of people.”

“Last December there was violence in Kandhamal district; the administration brought in under control. Now again there has been violence after the killings of the Swami and his followers. The killing at the ashram was tragic as was the violence that followed. I saw the damaged houses, schools and I also visited the ashram.”

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